Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.

3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

5 Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.

6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.

7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

10 He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

13 He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

17 A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.

18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.

22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.

23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

24 He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.

25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.

26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.